A PLAY that tackles the atrocities of war is to be staged in Llangollen next month.

‘Dinner with Otto’ written by Tom George, is set in March 1919, after the conclusion of the bloodiest conflict in history.

It tells the story of a young soldier called Ben, who has to struggle with feelings of guilt and hopelessness after he returns home to his mother and friends after witnessing the atrocities of war.

Otto Schultz, whom he killed during the fierce battle, died slowly, on the end of Ben’s bayonet and during the time that Otto was dying the two young men realised that in other circumstances they could have been friends.

Otto asked Ben to write to his mother and told him that he will keep a seat for him at the dinner table in Hell, as that is surely where they will both end up.

In addition to saddling the guilt of killing Otto, Ben had also promised to protect his friend, Aled, but failed to do so and despite being forgiven by Aled’s mother, it merely leaves Ben feeling even more wretched.

The play uses real footage of the First World War, which helps to transport the audience into a very dramatic, and to some, surprising end, but is sure to keep people on the edge of their seat.

‘Dinner with Otto’ will be staged at Llangollen Town Hall between Thursday, March 14 and Saturday, March 16, with performances commencing at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £8 (£6 concessions) and can be purchased via the box office - 01978 822759.